The mission of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is to present the complex experiences of the peoples of Africa and African descent, with an emphasis on Virginians, by collecting, preserving and interpreting historical and cultural artifacts.

The mission of the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia is to present the complex experiences of the peoples of Africa and African descent, with an emphasis on Virginians, by collecting, preserving and interpreting historical and cultural artifacts.

Impact

Our most important accomplishments for the past year include:

Presenting four history/cultural/art exhibitions that are educational, engaging, enlightening, and profitable

Hosted the first annual Children's Book Festival for 600 participating first and second graders to enhance literacy skills, inspire continued reading and add 5 new books to each of their home libraries

Strengthening community and museum partnerships including four school districts - Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield;

Welcoming 20,000 visitors from Richmond and beyond; and

Offering programming that addresses difficult topics such as the affects of lynchings on families; raising AIDS awareness; and the story behind the Virginia laws against interracial marriage.

Hire an office manager to improve the capacity of staff to serve our stakeholders

Conduct a communications assessment and implement recommendations

Develop and implement long term planning processes for exhibitions and programming

Needs

Our top most pressing needs are:

Secure $1.5 million to support staff and operating expenses for initial years of museum's operation in the newly renovated building

Complete creation of a docent program in order to offer more guided tours and free staff time

Further strengthen the Board of Directors to ensure a well-rounded development effort

Repair/renovate former museum building to properly store collections and artifacts

Refurbish collections in preparation for exhibition which will reduce our cash outlay

Background

The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia was founded in 1981 by Carroll W. Anderson Sr. It opened to the public in 1991. The Black History Museum was originally located at 00 Clay Street in Historic Jackson Ward in an 1832 mansion that has served many purposes, including a private home, a club for African-American military servicemen and the Rosa Dixon Bowser (segregated) branch of the Richmond Public Library system.

The Museum is a private 501(c)(3) institution, governed by a board of directors. Its mission is to present the complex experiences of the peoples of Africa and African descent, with an emphasis on Virginians, by collecting, preserving, and interpreting historical and cultural artifacts. Further, the Black History Museum strives to increase its impact on its patrons by educating the public on Virginia's African American history, elevating the nature of the conversation on history and race, and empowering individuals --particularly youth--to reach their highest potential.

Anchored by the permanent exhibition, In Pursuit of Freedom, Justice and Equality, the Museum offers independent and exhibition-related programming that appeals to adults, youth and families.

The museum now resides in the newly-restored historic Leigh Street Armory, one of the first armories built for black militiamen in Richmond.

CEO Statement

The
mission of the Black History Museum is to preserve stories that inspire – we
tell the unknown, or sometimes forgotten stories. Stories of struggles and contributions made
by African Americans. What we share is not
only Black history it’s America’s history and we want these stories to be
integrated into America’s history where they should be. This museum belongs to all of us/you; and our
success is dependent upon community support.

Areas of Service

Areas Served

Area

Statewide

The Black History Museum focuses exhibitions and storytelling on the history and experiences of African Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, visitors to the BHM include tourists from Virginia, the nation and beyond.

The tables below contain information about other groups that advise this nonprofit on operations and projects.

Executive Director

Executive DirectorMs. Adele Johnson

Experience

Adele Johnson recently accepted the position of interim executive director of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. She has held leadership positions with Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, Capital One, and the Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council.

Adele earned a Bachelor of Science degree in urban planning from Virginia Commonwealth University and has also received executive education certificates from Dartmouth College, University of Wisconsin, and the University of Richmond.

Through Kidz@122 we will tell the stories of African Americans through activities that are fun and informative. By connecting children with history and culture, they'll gain a better understanding of themselves and the world around them. In the spirit of honoring African American pioneers and landmark events in black history, we engage children in activities that capture their senses.

For example, a story may be read about Madam C.J. Walker, the first African American millionaire, which would be followed with financial literacy activities so students learn about earning money, spending it wisely, saving money, and what it means to be a good consumer. Experienced instructors in each field prepare session plans with goals and learning objectives that integrate opportunities to foster and develop skills along with other expressions such as discovery, imagination, problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership. Participants receive related books and other items to nurture continued exploration.

When our community is dealing with difficult issues or when individuals just want to learn through an open dialogue, community conversations are a productive way to get thoughts and ideas on the table to create a better understanding and determine next steps. Community conversations are carefully facilitated dialogues that bring diverse stakeholders together to discuss critical issues. Community conversations can offer government officials, community leaders, neighbors, and friends an opportunity to engage a broad cross section of a community in productive, action-oriented deliberation.

Held 4-6 times annually, topics of conversations are selected by museum patrons and community members. Facilitators are engaged to participate based on the subject matter.